Life & Work with Kristen Evans of 30A Florida

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Evans.

Hi Kristen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up loving photos, I always had a camera in my hand. But it wasn’t until I turned 30 and found myself really searching for something I was deeply passionate about that I decided to start my business.
In the beginning, I was saying yes to everything. Families, couples, weddings, I just wanted experience. But over time, I realized what really lit me up was emotion. The in-between moments. The way people look at each other when they feel safe and seen. That’s when my style and my brand really started to form.
As I grew, I became more intentional, not just creatively, but as a business owner. I raised my prices, refined my client experience, built strong relationships in my community, and really leaned into what makes my work different. I’m not light and airy, and I’m not dark and moody, I live in that warm, nostalgic, film-inspired space that feels timeless and honest.
Today, I run a photography business focused on connection and storytelling. I’ve been able to grow year after year, work with incredible couples and families, and build something that feels aligned with my values – equality, authenticity, emotion, and passion.
And honestly, I still feel like I’m just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most creative entrepreneurs, I had to figure a lot of things out the hard way.
In the beginning, I struggled with confidence, both in my work and in charging what I was worth. There’s a big learning curve when you go from loving something creatively to running it as a business. Pricing, contracts, boundaries, slow seasons, all of that was new territory.
I’ve also had to grow a thick skin. Not every inquiry books. Not everyone understands your style. And sometimes you put your heart into something and it doesn’t get the response you hoped for.
But every challenge forced me to refine my brand, strengthen my processes, and become more confident, not just as a photographer, but as a business owner. Looking back, the struggles are really what shaped me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a couples and wedding photographer, and I specialize in capturing connection-driven, emotional imagery. While I also photograph families, my heart is really in documenting relationships, the way people interact, the quiet in-between moments, the energy that feels natural and unscripted.
I’m known for creating a space where people feel comfortable. A lot of my clients tell me they were nervous before their session, and then five minutes in they feel like they’re just hanging out. That comfort translates into authentic images, nothing stiff or overly posed.

Stylistically, my work is warm, nostalgic, and timeless. I’m not light and airy, and I’m not dark and moody. I lean into rich warmth, subtle grain, and natural emotion, images that feel like memories, not just photos.

What I’m most proud of is the experience I’ve built. From the first inquiry to gallery delivery, I’ve worked hard to make it intentional and thoughtful. I want my clients to feel seen, valued, and celebrated, not just photographed.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just show up with a camera. I show up invested. I care deeply about the people in front of me, and I think that emotional investment is what makes my work different.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I truly believe building community makes a huge difference, especially in a creative industry. It can feel competitive from the outside, but some of my biggest growth has come from choosing connection over comparison.

When it comes to finding a mentor, my advice is to start by genuinely engaging with people you admire. Support their work. Show up consistently. Build real relationships before asking for anything in return. Most mentorship opportunities grow naturally out of mutual respect and connection.
Networking, for me, has worked best when it’s been authentic. Attending local events, collaborating on styled shoots, reaching out to other photographers for coffee, not with an agenda, but with curiosity. Some of my strongest friendships and business relationships started with a simple conversation.

Community has given me encouragement during slow seasons, referrals when I’m booked, second-shoot opportunities, and honest feedback. It’s also helped me grow faster than I would have alone.
I think when you approach networking from a place of collaboration instead of competition, everything changes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristenevansphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenevansphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094023112053

Image Credits
Images are my own Kristen Evans Photography